BCB rope in Neil McKenzie as batting consultant

McKenzie will start his stint with the team in their upcoming ODI series against the Windies.

Bangladesh Cricket Board has roped in former South African cricketer Neil McKenzie as the batting coach of the team and he will get underway with his job from July 22. Previously he was scheduled to join the team on July 7, but BCB chief executive Nizamuddin Chowdhury has stated this recent development.

The 42-year-old, who represented South Africa in 124 matches, will take over from former Sri Lanka batsman Thilan Samaraweera.

“We are expecting his arrival on July 22,” Chowdhury was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

“We have appointed him until the next ICC World Cup. We are confident that his vast experience will help our team, and our batsmen in particular,” he added.

The appointment of Neil McKenzie was the result of a poor batting display by Bangladesh in the recently concluded two Test match series against the Windies.

The two Test matches highlighted Bangladesh's vulnerability in the batting order and also their inexperience. They were bowled out for 43 in the first innings of the Antigua Test match and could only muster 144 in the second.

Their batting performance in the second Test match was no better. They scored 149 in the first innings and 168 in the second. With the 2019 World Cup less than 12 months away, Bangladesh would dearly want to sort out the loopholes in their batting department.

McKenzie, who had previously served as the batting coach of South Africa, in two terms - in 2016 and 2018 will begin his stint with Bangladesh in their upcoming three-match ODI series against the Windies.